🎧 Episode 38: From Legacy to Innovation — The Evolution of the Virtual GM with Ali Dockstader

In this episode, Cody sits down with fellow Virtual GM Ali Dockstader, whose story in hospitality runs deep. Growing up in the industry, Ali witnessed firsthand what it takes to build something special—her family founded Cliffrose Lodge in 1989 when she was just three years old.

Years later, when her family opened Watchman Villas in 2017, Ali helped pioneer what we now know as the Virtual GM role—a model that continues to shape modern hospitality operations today.

Ali now oversees operations at The Bungalows at Zion and Edgewater Resort, bringing a unique blend of legacy experience and forward-thinking leadership.

🔹 Segment 1: Growing Up in Hospitality
Ali shares what it was like growing up around hotels and how that early exposure shaped her understanding of:

•  Guest experience 
•  Operations 
•  What truly makes a property successful 

👉 A rare perspective from someone who’s seen hospitality evolve from the inside out.

🔹 Segment 2: Pioneering the Virtual GM Role
When Watchman Villas opened, Ali helped redefine how properties could be operated remotely.

She breaks down:

•  How the Virtual GM role started 
•  What made it successful early on 
•  Why it’s more relevant now than ever 

👉 This isn’t just a trend—it’s a proven model.

🔹 Segment 3: Advice for Future Virtual GMs
Ali shares practical advice for anyone looking to run a property virtually:

•  The systems you must have 
•  The mindset required 
•  How to lead without being on-site 

👉 What separates successful Virtual GMs from the rest?

🔹 Segment 4: The Hardest Part of the Role
Ali gets honest about the challenges:

•  Communication across teams 
•  Maintaining standards remotely 
•  Balancing flexibility with accountability 

👉 Real talk on what people often underestimate.

🔹 Segment 5: Why Hospitality Still Wins
Despite the challenges, Ali shares what she loves most about the industry:

•  Creating meaningful guest experiences 
•  Being part of people’s memories 
•  The creativity and energy of hospitality 

🔹 Segment 6: Rapid Fire — Personal & Professional Insights
Cody wraps with a series of rapid-fire questions:

•  Favorite place to travel ✈️ 
•  Best hotel she’s ever stayed at—and why 
•  Biggest win in her career 
•  Biggest loss (and lessons learned) 
•  How she defines success today 

🔹 Closing Takeaway
Ali’s story is a powerful example of how hospitality is evolving—while still staying rooted in what matters most: people and experiences.

👉 Final Thought: The future of hospitality isn’t just built on tradition—it’s shaped by those willing to rethink how it’s done.

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